Destination Detail

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On arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), you will be met by your private transfer and driven to your accommodation in Colombo.
Due to airline flight schedules, some flights arrive very late in the evening. There is the opportunity to book pre tour accommodation in Colombo should you wish.
Check-in: if arriving prior to standard check-in time, which is generally 3pm local time, you are welcome to leave your luggage with hotel reception and explore your surroundings until check-in becomes available, as there are generally no scheduled activities on Day 1 of the itinerary

2 DAY

COLOMBO TO GALLE

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In the morning, we’ll head south towards Galle, with a brief Colombo sightseeing tour on the way. Colombo offers a blend of modern western and Sri Lankan elements, we’ll drive past some of the commercial capital’s sites including Old Parliament, President’s House, Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, Pettah, Viharamaha Devi Park, and Independence Square.
There will be time for you to disembark the coach and be escorted through the famous Pettah Market, not before viewing the uniquely stunning Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque (entry not included).
We will also visit the Colombo National Museum. This charming museum takes visitors on a fascinating journey through Sri Lankan history. Housed in a stunning neo-Baroque building,
which was specifically constructed by William Henry Gregory, Governor of Ceylon, in 1877, the museum boasts a gleaming white façade. As you make your way through the various rooms, you’ll encounter exhibits dedicated to each of Sri Lanka’s historical kingdoms. Informational display boards provide intriguing insights, such as the meaning behind the mudras (gestures and poses) depicted in Sri Lanka’s Buddha statues.
Then, in Balapitiya, we take a boat trip on the Madu River to visit 64 scattered islands, including Cinnamon Island, where we learn about cinnamon production. Sri Lanka is the world’s largest producer of pure cinnamon.
Spend tonight in Galle.

3 DAY 

GALLE 

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Today set on a tour of the Galle Fort and its Fortifications. This is a city that exudes an essence with a perfect blend of past and present. Declared an UNESCO heritage site in 1988, the presence of Portuguese, Dutch and English is very evident in the fascinating architectural styles of the Galle Fort.

4 DAY 

GALLE YALA NATIONAL PARK

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In The morning we leave for Yala National Park. On arrival, spend your afternoon on a guided game drive exploring the dynamic wildlife and the most luxuriant plant life in Yala National Park. Being one of the largest parks in Sri Lanka, it is the ideal place to sight the rare leopard!

5 DAY 

YALA NATIONAL PARK TO NUWARA ELLIYA 

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This morning, enjoy another safari in the Yala National Park by jeep to spot the diverse wildlife which calls the park home.

After, we leave Yala continue the journey to Nuwara Eliya. Often referred to as ‘Little England’, this genteel highland community does have a rose-tinted, vaguely British-country-village feel to it, with its colonial-era bungalows.

On arrival, check in to your Inspiring Stay for the next two nights, the incredible Grand Hotel. It may be the 21st century, but colonial splendor still reigns in all its past glory at the Grand Hotel. Built in 1891, this was the palatial residence of the former Governor of Sri Lanka, Sir Edward Barnes; today we offer the ultimate in comfort and the best of traditions from the ‘good old days’ to all who seek the charms of our famed hill country landmark.

short trousers and Please note: a smart casual dress code applies for dinner at all restaurants and bars. Guests in sleeveless shirts and rubber slippers will not be permitted to enter the restaurants.

A closer look at your incredible accommodation, the Grand Hotel Nuwara Eliya: the incredible Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, an enduring icon in this tranquil town perched on a mountain ridge overlooking lush green countryside in tea country. Oozing colonial charm,

6 DAY

NUWARAELIYA

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Today morning hours you will have relax in hotel.
In the afternoon you will visit a Tea Plantation and Factory. Here you will enjoy an absolute tea experience, taking you from the moment young tea leaves are plucked to being processed in the factory to make a steaming cup of tea. If you are interested, the tea factory is the best place to purchase high quality tea.
This afternoon, enjoy an Inspiring Taste at probably the most talked of outlet in Nuwara Eliya, the Grand Tea Lounge. Here we enjoy an iconic High Tea at the Grand Hotel.
OPTIONAL TOUR – HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK ENTRANCE
Early morning with packed breakfast leave for Horton Plains and World’s End. This park holds great importance due to the rich and unique biodiversity and being a catchment area feeding some of the main rivers of Sri Lanka. It is also known to be a ” Super biodiversity hotspot ” and thus declared a UNESCO site in 2010. Couple of kilometres into the park there is a site known as the World’s End, an abrupt end, the land plummets straight down 900m, this is just an astonishing view and a somewhat cool thrill!
Wear strong and comfortable walking shoes, a hat and sunglasses. Bring sunscreen, food and water. The weather can change very quickly on the plains – one minute it can be sunny and clear, the next chilly and misty. Bring a few extra layers of warm clothing.
It is forbidden to leave the paths, which can be slippery and tough to negotiate in places. There are no safety rails available so we recommend this activity for those who are physically fit and go on long walks often. We do not recommend this if you have a difficult time walking along uneven terrain.
Please note – there are 3 different route options, depending on your general level of fitness: Route 1 – Approx. 8.5kms Route 2 – Approx. 7kms Route 3 – Approx. 4.5kms

7 DAY

NUWARAELIYA TO KANDY  

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This morning depart for Kandy on a famous train journey, said to be one of the most scenic and beautiful in the world. Apart from the breathtaking sceneries of the tea country and picturesque waterfalls, it is a chance for you to mingle with local people.
Discover the rich history of Kandy, once known as Senkadagala, during its time as the Hill Capital from 1514-1815 AD. Named as a UNESCO heritage site in 1988, Kandy boasts a beautiful lake, historic temples like the Temple of the Tooth Relic, and well-preserved ruins of the royal palaces.
Enjoy some free time upon arrival in Kandy during the afternoon.

8 DAY

KANDY

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Explore the beautiful city of Kandy with an included Tuk Tuk and Bazaar tour, followed by a delicious lunch at a local restaurant. Relax in the afternoon with a stroll around the picturesque Kandy Lake.
In the evening, visit the revered Temple of Tooth, home to a sacred relic of the Buddha and its guardian elephants. End your day with a spectacular Sri Lankan Cultural Performance.

9 DAY

MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK AND SIGIRIYA

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Today, leave for Sigiriya and Minneruya Enroute, enjoy a private jeep safari at Minneriya National Park. Located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the ‘Mahaweli’ and ‘Amban’ rivers, this park stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. It’s a paradise for nature lovers and one of the best places to observe elephants.
Continue to Sigiriya or Habarana hotel for check-in.
Please note: Since elephants are migratory animals, we may visit Wasgamuwa National Park on this day instead, based on the elephant locations.

10 DAY

SIGIRIYA ROCK FORTRESS AND POLONNARUWA

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In the morning, we’ll climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress (also known as Lion’s Rock) – an extraordinary artistic complex dating back to 477-498 AD. This UNESCO World Heritage Site has become a global attraction due to its unique architecture.
For lunch, participate in an Inspiring Taste cooking demonstration where you’ll learn to prepare Sri Lankan rice and curry (5-6 curries). Savor your meal while overlooking the beautiful gardens.
In the afternoon, we’ll take a sightseeing tour of Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital city of Sri Lanka (1017-1235 AD). Polonnaruwa was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982 after the fall of Anuradhapura.
OPTIONAL TOUR – POLONNARUWA BICYCLE TOUR
Enjoy a scenic and leisurely bicycle ride to Parakrama Samudra Reservoir before continuing to Polonnaruwa for a sightseeing bike tour. Pedal along ancient ruins and see Polonnaruwa from a different perspective.
The route is very flat and suitable for all levels of bicycle experience. Approx duration: 3 hours

11 DAY

SIGIRIYA

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Spend the morning at your leisure, and in the afternoon, explore the impressive Dambulla Rock Cave Temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. This UNESCO heritage site dates back to the 3rd Century BC and boasts 157 statues and extraordinary paintings covering a vast 2100m2 area, making it the most impressive cave complex in Sri Lanka. It’s truly a masterpiece worth experiencing.

OPTIONAL TOUR – AUDANGAWA VILLAGE WALKING TOUR

Leave on foot or by bicycle and travel through Audangawa village. Visit the local temple and evoke blessings from the priest. Visit a villager’s house and enjoy a warm herbal drink or a king coconut. Wander through the village passing paddy fields and Chena cultivations.

12 DAY

CHILAW

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Leave for coastal town of Chilaw to finish off our time in Sri Lanka relaxing near the crystal waters of the Indian Ocean. Chilaw is well known for the three ‘C’s’ – Crabs, Coconuts and Coreas.

13 DAY

CHILAW

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Spend the day relaxing at the beach or in the pool.
OPTIONAL TOUR – ANAWILUNDAWA BIRD SANCTUARY VISIT
Around 6:00 am leave from your hotel to ensure you catch the wildlife during their most active time of the day at Anawilundawa Bird Sanctuary visit. The sanctuary includes three vastly different ecosystems; the coast, the mangroves and the fresh water tanks, making it one of the six RAMSAR Wetlands in Sri Lanka.
Whilst here, enjoy a gentle 3.5km walk through the sanctuary viewing some of Sri Lanka’s most favorable nesting and breeding grounds for hundreds of species of birds.
Some of the bird species found here are herons, the open-bill, great cormorant, white ibis, egret, atalk, peasant tailed jacana and the purple swamp hen. A total of 20 species of mammals have been recorded here, this includes the rusty spotted cat, fishing cat, the indian otter, slender loris, toque monkey and 74 species of butterflies.
Return to your accommodation in time for breakfast.
Hotel 5 Anantaya Resort and Spa Chilaw or Similar

13 DAY

CHILAW TO COLOMBO 

Late check-out is planned as you have access to your room until 8pm.
At the appropriate time, you will be transferred to the Bandaranike International Airport (CMB) to board your flight home.